Ah the delicatessen, a staple for many New Yorkers and a treat for travelers.  A delicatessen, or deli, is like a mix between a grocery store and an upscale fast food restaurant.  A mainstay of delis in the city are their delicious cured meats, and their sandwiches made to order.  They’re a popular choice for urbanites on the go, and have become an NYC tradition.  Here are a few of what we think are the best delis in New York.

Carnegie Deli

Are you new in town?  Traveling from a far-off land?  You’ve probably wanted to make the famous Carnegie Deli one of your first stops.  It’s one of the most well-known places to get a sandwich, as they pile on the meat to Everest proportions.  Carnegie Deli, which is almost 70 years old, cures and smokes all of their own meat, and makes their world-famous cheesecake onsite!

854 7th Ave 

New York, NY 10019

(212) 757-2245

Katz’s Deli

If you’ve seen the 80s romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally, you might recognize this spot.  The oldest deli in New York City, Katz has had a long history in the business of making delicious foods.  Don’t believe us?  Try their knockwurst with beans.  And some of us here at Seastreak think these guys have the best pastrami sandwich in New York by far!

205 E Houston St 

New York, NY 10002

(212) 254-2246

Russ and Daughters

A couple of doors down from Katz’s is this fabled institution serving their world famous pickled herring, outrageously good smoked salmon, sable, sturgeon, whitefish, chubs, and brook trout!  But don’t take our word for it.  Check out their great reviews:  http://www.russanddaughters.com/press.php?view=all

                        179 East Houston Street

New York, NY 10002

(212) 475-4880

2nd Ave Deli

Kosher delis are all over New York City, but the 2nd Ave Deli has to be one of the best. The 2nd Ave Deli is full of delicious Jewish dishes like Matzoh Ball Soup and Challah French Toast. Don’t let the name fool you though, the deli is no longer located on 2nd Ave.

162 E 33rd St 

New York, NY 10016

(212) 689-9000

Artie’s Deli

Artie’s is the new kid on the block as far as this list goes, but it’s up here for a reason! They have some of the best sandwiches and soup in NYC. Added bonus: the bucket of pickles and coleslaw that comes with your order.

2290 Broadway 

New York, NY 10024

(212) 579-5959

Are you a big fan of delis? If so, what’s your favorite place to chow down, and for your go-to deli order? Let us know on our Facebook page!  Heading into the city to get some bagels and lox?  Why not take Seastreak?  You’ll be glad you did!

Sea you soon,

The Seastreak Family


Filed Under: Destination Guides, New York, New York City, The Best Deli's in New York